slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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As I posted earlier, my bike was stolen whilst I was on holiday. I have the loss adjuster coming tomorrow to discuss my claim, and I was looking for advice from anyone as to how best to deal with her. I'm looking for arguments against being paid out in Halfrauds vouchers for my bike (it was specified on my policy with a value of £900.00) and also how to convince her that the other stuff was stolen when I do not have proof or purchase/receipts.
Please help
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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Well start by argueing that you're a cyclist...halfords sell crap and no bikes there suit your riding style or position..If you had a Ford Focus you would not be getting Vauxhall vouchers!! Any keen cyclist has more kit than just a bike, so armed with the list of stuff explain what all the stuff was for plus be very enthusiastic about cycling and how this is really holding up your training for events next season!!! Explain the components in detail that were on the bike, chances are the insurance person wont have a clue so bombarding them with technical stuff makes them glaze over all numb...Also if you wanted a halfords bike you would have bought from there to start with PLUS taken out their insurance scheme, you stuck with this lot because of their reputation, understanding and fairness(bullS**t them!)!!!
Do you have any photos of the shed with the stuff in it, even if the detail is bad at least you can say this is what was taken, with the list of stuff stolen, beside each item note where you got it if you can remember plus how much it cost at the time and how much it will be to replace now since you NEED all the same kit back right down to the saddle you used since it took you years to find one you were happy with...that's why Halfords is no use, they don't make a bike up to your exact needs!!!!! Good luck slowhand and make her a cup of coffee too!!
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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bigoldsideofham
Reged: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2288
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Fella - is the bike you did have (or the latest model of it) sold by halfrauds? If not there is onw good arguement. As far as the bits are concerned if they were sold to you by yout LBS and it has an automated till system, go to them and get a print of your customer history. Its in their interest as they may benefit by the sale of a bicycle IF you get your money. Ensure that all of the bits and mods were mentioned in the police report. Also if bits were ordered from tinterweb and you normally use one supplier they will also have a sales history for you - you could call and retireve it. Why should they give you it? Because if you get the extra money you may wish to replace those bits again making more new sales for them. Plus if your garage ahs multiple other bikes in it that arent mentioned in the policy make sure you have an explination as to why. Hopefully this isnt a fairly new policy? If not and you have paid for a few years/months the adjustor will be less careful than if you opened it 2 months ago and claim a grand now for a bike they have never seen! When you insured your bike did you give them make and model? Also if you have any photos of you on it or the bike itself hunt them out and finally and bits such as manuals or accesories that would be worthless for anything other than that model have them to hand!
Good luck. Insurers/blood/stone comes to mind! 
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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I have made a full list of what was taken, plus I have printed off copies of my orders/invoices for the stuff I bought from Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles. Unfortunately, a lot of my tools were purchased over time, and I cannot remember exactly what I bought and from where, although I have listed the replacement values as the cost now. I also have the manual that came with the bike.
I hope that's enough
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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It's all you can do, right everyone reading this go and photograph EVERYTHING you have and put in computer and on a disc!!! Just in case!
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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Believe me I will do when I replace everything. I will also chain everything to the walls/floor, and set up electified barriers and a guard dog as well!
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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Ah just keep everything in the sitting room in future!!
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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I think it would be cheaper to have everyhting nicked and not claim than incur the wrath of Mrs Slowhand!
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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le_petit_grimpeur
Reged: 29/05/2008
Posts: 83
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First things first.
The loss adjuster is only coming to check your not 'swinging the lead' and to test you to see if your are competent enough to stand your ground. You are under no legal obligation to purchase your replacement item(s) from Halfords.That is an 'arrangement' negotiated between your insurance company and halfords-you are NOT obliged to enter into that arrangement.
Secondly, as the insurance company have entered into a contractual agreement to insure your possessions against loss (or damage) you are fully entitle to the value of said possessions that have been stolen.They have effectively 'written' the risk ie entered into a contract directly with you NOT halfords.
The loss adjuster's only possible counterclaim could be the age of your stolen items.However, if they are less than 2-3 years old I suggest you make it clear that only the purchase price would be acceptable for settlement.He may check that you had adequate security,he is in essence making sure nothing nefarious is going on-doing his job.
If you are a fully paid up member of the 'policy paying public' you have little to fear.
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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I'm definitely not trying to pull a fast one. As the son of an insurance broker (who had his own company for over 40 years), I know how the insurance industry works (not withstanding changes made since my dad retired). I am also aware of the damage fraudulant claims make to the rest of us, by increasing our premiums. All I want is to be paid out the insured value of the bike (it was listed specifically on the policy due to it's value) so that I can go to aan LBS and choose one of similar spec myself, safe in the knowledge that I will be supported by said shop after purchase. If the insurance company wish to credit my nominated shop directly I would be happy with that.
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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le_petit_grimpeur
Reged: 29/05/2008
Posts: 83
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I wasn't insinuating you are dishonest,merely stating the facts and legal obligations of both parties.
I am effectively making you aware of your rights for a decent settlement to your claim.
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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I didn't think you were, LPG. Thank you for your advice
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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gorgeousgaz
Reged: 19/01/2008
Posts: 50
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hey slowhand
sorry to hear of your loss!
can i ask if you had specific cycle insurance or was i on your house contents insurance.
im thinking about getting some decent insurance as have just got a new bike and was wondering which was best way to go about it?
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I'm not sure you're aware, but that bike isn't going to ride itself up that hill!
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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It was on my home insurance policy, hence the issues with dealing with them. I would go with a cycling specific policy, just for the peace of mind. I will be doing so when I get my replacement.
I met with the loss adjuster yesaterday and she was very pleasant and helpful. She agreed that Halfords would not be able to source my bike without invalidating the warranty, so it looks like I will be paid out by cheque for it. The only issue we need to resolve is the level of cover, as apparently I have a £2000 limit for contents of my garage . She also needs to verify the values of the tools I had nicked. Hopefully it will all be sorted by the end of the week, I can can go bike shoping 
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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le_petit_grimpeur
Reged: 29/05/2008
Posts: 83
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It is interesting that the warranty was an issue-their statutory requirement to adhere to that would only be 12 months and a three year time limit would be discretionary .
How old was your bike that was stolen?
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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The warranty was not an issue for the insurance company, rather if Halfords source a bike that they do not distribute as standard, they basically buy the bike and then sell it on as a loss leader (as their account with the insurance company is huge, this also applies to any bike they do not regularly stock you get through them via Cycle2Work). This means that, according to the manufacturer's waranty, it is not valid for you, as the warranty applies only to the original purchaser, which in this case is Halfords themselves. This means that if I got the bike through Halfords, I would not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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I have just spoken to the loss adjuster who has advised they are paying pretty much the full amount by cheque (32000 cover for the contnents of the garage PLUS the bike), less excess. Happy days 
Many thanks to all of you for your advice.
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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bigoldsideofham
Reged: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2288
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32k???? what did you have in the garage? Are you the storage facility for a pro team? 
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slowhand
Reged: 11/12/2006
Posts: 882
Loc: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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Whoops, my shift key didn't work! Of course, I meant to put £2000
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"There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic banking. It's called marriage."
James Holt McGavran
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bigoldsideofham
Reged: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2288
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Shame it was you and not the insurers that made that mistake!!!!!
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